Papi’s Tacos is a great spot for solid Mexican food in Greenville SC. Originally a food truck, they’ve put down roots, and it works. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, the kind of place where you can show up straight from a walk by the Reedy River and feel right at home. They’re also dog-friendly, which is a nice touch.
The food delivers on flavor and freshness. The taco bowls stand out: fluffy Mexican rice, well-cooked black beans, and your choice of protein. The Al Pastor was a great pick, full of flavor and well-seasoned. Everything is topped with fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, and cheese, making it a solid, well-balanced dish.
The tortas are another highlight. Served on a bolillo roll, they’re packed with refried beans, your choice of meat (the Mexican Pulled Chicken was excellent), and fresh veggies for a good mix of textures. If you’ve never had a torta, think of it as a Mexican-style sandwich but much better than the usual options.
One unique menu item is the “Travelin’ Taco, essentially a walking taco served in a bag of Fritos. It’s a fun, no-fuss take on street food that works well.
Overall, the food is fresh, portions are generous, and the quality is there. I did hear someone mention they thought it was a bit bland, but that comes down to personal preference. Prices are on the higher side, but given the fresh ingredients and portion sizes, it feels fair.
If you’re looking for a casual, welcoming spot for good Mexican food, Papi’s is worth...
Read moreI'll start by saying I am Mexican. We chose this place while visiting Greenville for the first time. I learned not to expect authentic Mexican food everywhere, but I got excited when I saw Mexican ladies in the back. We ordered a "carnitas" Taco and a torta, as well as a pastor bowl and a torta. We were incredibly disappointed, and wonder how reviews could be so off. Perhaps those giving this establishment good reviews don't know good Mexican food and what it's supposed to taste like. But the "carnitas" is literally boiled pork meat and tastes extremely porky. Carnitas on Mexico and Michoacan, specifically, are cooked and fried in its own fat. These so-called carnitas have never seen anything but water and maybe some salt. The pastor was marinated pork but lacked the pastor flavor and pineapple. The bowl was $12 and had maybe 3 tbsp of rice and beans. I was appalled. It was mostly lettuce and pico. Stingy with the rice and beans!?!? Alas, I would never recommend this restaurant nor return, because unfortunately, not even the customer service was acceptable. We got no greeting after sitting at a table for mins, until we got up and ordered, and saw table service being offered to other tables. Next time, I'll take my $50 elsewhere. My husband felt nauseated after eating the carnitas here,...
Read moreOn vacation in Greenville SC, and ate at so many wonderful and (some mediocre) restaurants but Papi’s Taco’s was our hands-down favorite for the authenticity of the food and happy upbeat service! We ordered Tortas, a sandwich, but Nothing ordinary about it! So flavorful and fresher than we’ve ever had! (I will confess, chips and salsa were very average) but the star was the Margaritas! I would go there just for that!! My husband is very margarita critical and this margarita was amazing! It hit all the important flavor notes, salty, sweet, tangy,… It definitely had the tequila but wasn’t at all bitter forward. We had to ask about their secret! We spoke to a very enthusiastic woman named Nury who immediately called over another woman named Catita to give her credit. We tried to peek as she made us a second! I think the secret, maybe, was all the fresh squeezed lime juice and orange. They obviously use good tequila, but the secret they claim is “love” . On our way out we noticed an award wall which included their margaritas! Of course! We were sure that Nury must be the owner, but nope, just an employee that loves food and people! I love a restaurant where the employees love it too! We,ll be back next trip Papi’s!...
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